Why This Major Sumo Event Takes Place in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Location: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Dates: 15-19 October
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo embodies the traditional sport of Japan, blending custom, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – called rikishi – battling inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.
Various rituals are performed before and after every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Traditionally before a match, a hole is made in the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
This opening is closed, containing within divine presence. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to drive off bad spirits.
Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, with competitors who participate commit completely to it – living and training communally.
Why London?
This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally only the second occasion, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.
London and The Royal Albert Hall previously held the 1991 tournament – the first time a tournament was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Explaining the reasoning behind going overseas, the Japan Sumo Association chair expressed the intention to "convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".
Sumo has experienced a significant rise in international interest globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the appeal of traditional Japan internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match is decided once a wrestler gets pushed of the dohyo or makes contact using anything besides their foot soles.
Matches can conclude almost instantly or last over two minutes.
Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.
Elite wrestlers frequently excel in various techniques and can adapt against different styles.
Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets may happen in any bout.
Size categories do not exist in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings determine matchups rather than body measurements.
While women can participate in amateur sumo globally, they cannot enter professional tournaments including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Professional rikishi reside and practice together in training stables called heya, under a stable master.
Everyday life for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early for intense practice, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
The average wrestler consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of massive eating are documented.
Wrestlers intentionally gain weight to enhance leverage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, quick movements with strong bursts.
Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – creating a distinctive existence among athletic professions.
Competitive standing affects their payment, living arrangements including personal assistants.
Younger or lower ranked rikishi perform duties in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive preferred treatment.
Competitive standings get determined through performance in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.
Before each tournament, a new banzuke are released – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status within the sport.
The highest level features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, primarily from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times.
Top champions feature international representatives, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.
In recent news, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.
